FOXBORO, MA - AUGUST 11: Julian Edelman #11 of the New England Patriots competes before a game against the Jacksonville Jaguars at Gillette Stadium on August 11, 2011 in Foxboro, Massachusetts. (Photo by Jim Rogash/Getty Images)Julian Edelman (Photo by Jim Rogash/Getty Images)

FOXBORO (CBS) — There were a couple of things to take away from today’s practice.

Brandon Spikes was not in attendance. Spikes was held out of the first four days of camp and has been an energy boost for the team since. With his injury history, the hope is that his knee is not acting up and forcing him to miss time. The Pats simply need Spikes. They are different team when his energy is on the field.

Julian Edelman has had a great camp and continues to impress people, but his hands are starting to become an issue. If you are looking for a receiver to run precise routes and then get some separation, Edelman has done that all camp long. But when the ball gets to him in tight spots, he’s had some drops. That’s not what any receiver on this team wants to do. He has worked hard at his craft. He has to hold on to the ball.

There were a handful of referees on hand for today’s practice and the Pats offense immediately increased the tempo for the 11-on11 drills. This offense has to work at a tight pace and today they gave the impression that when the Saints get here tomorrow, they will be ready for the live action.

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